“So dark that it looks almost black”: David Bloch tastes the 2001 Clos de Sarpe

David Bloch transitions from the end of Spring Break with a great bottle of Bordeaux.

2001 Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion
Immediately upon opening the aromas seemed to pour out of the bottle.  Sweet flowers and ripe plums.  The wine is so dark that it looks almost black.  A big wine for sure, and once again, another 2001 Right Banker that transcends its status as a “lesser vintage” wine.  As I have found with the three Pavies (Pavie, Pavie Macquin and Pavie Decesse), this is another terrific St. Emilion in this vintage.  Showing plenty of ripe and rich fruit, but never heavy.  Notes of dark plums, some black licorice and café latte.  Strong from start to finish in the mouth.  Tannins are quite mellow and the wine has developed some lovely secondary notes.  Really long finish.  I love the acidity that balances everything out.  Wine has a long life ahead but is so good at the moment that owners who have been waiting to pop a cork will not be disappointed.